Hello friends! It’s been a while since I’ve shared a post to my blog… but I am happy to say that I’m “back in business” and will be sharing regularly again. I recently shared on my Instagram page (@setonwalker) a post about how I’ve been putting emphasis on incorporating intentionality into every aspect of my life. Family, my home, my self-care, and of course… my wardrobe, which is the focus of today’s blog share.
I’ve found that being particularly intentional in one area of my life gets the ball rolling and makes it so much easier to be intentional in other areas, too. That is why each morning when I wake up I take the time to assemble an outfit that fits my schedule for the day AND my style needs. Even on the fully stay-at-home-work-mom days! And the result? I’m more productive, more intentional, I feel more awake, and I carry with me an overall feeling of put-togetherness throughout the entire day.
But what if you don’t have time to get fully put together every morning? Let me share with you my secret to making getting ready in the morning EASY peasy. Hint: It’s time to rethink your wardrobe.
Elevating your wardrobe is key to making getting ready in the morning fun and fast. Even if you DO have time in the morning to spend picking out the perfect outfit, these tips still apply to you and you’ll see why! “But Seton.. what if I don’t have the budget to get a whole new wardrobe?” Not to fear… I’m here to give you all of my best tips for doing this on a budget.
1. Clean it out
That’s right. It sounds simple, but the first step to attaining a consistently stylish look day after day is to clean out the items in your wardrobe that no longer serve your newly elevated demeanor.
Start here:
Fast fashion that is falling apart (it isn’t made to last, guys… let it go).
The pricier items in your closet that you never wear but don’t want to get rid of because you spent money on it years ago.
Anything you haven’t worn in a year, and don’t imagine wearing in the next year.
Anything that doesn’t bring you joy when you put it on.
Now, here is my first tip for making this a budget friendly experience. Instead of throwing your old items into a trash bag and taking them to your local donation center… Try sorting out the pieces that are still in good shape. Take some time to list them on Poshmark, or find a local resale shop. Whatever doesn’t sell–donate! Now you’re feeling organized and satisfied, so we’re on to my next step for elevating your wardrobe.
2. Think capsule wardrobe
Have you ever gone shopping and come home with a bunch of new shirts, shoes, bottoms, etc., and still felt like you had nothing to wear in the following weeks!? Becoming familiar with the idea of a capsule wardrobe can be helpful. Ever heard of one?
A capsule wardrobe is a sustainable approach to fashion. While you don’t have to stick to a capsule wardrobe 100 percent, the idea of it can really help you organize your thoughts when looking for some new wardrobe items. The concept is that you keep your wardrobe as small as possible, adding to it ONLY the best quality pieces that you can find, without sacrificing your sense of style… Oh… and they should all (mostly) be able to be mixed and matched! Sound overwhelming? I’m going to help break it down.
Often times we know a certain blouse that looks great with a particular pair of pants. In a capsule wardrobe, the idea is to find pieces that go with more than just one or two other pieces in your closet. That is why often times capsule wardrobes are full of neutral colors–it allows everything to go together easily. However, don’t think you have to limit yourself in this way. Simply consider your own personal color pallet that you feel suits you well, and can create a cohesive look when styled together.
An example of a great capsule wardrobe piece is a white button down shirt. You can wear it to work tucked into pants with a belt. You can wear it open to the front with a pair of cut off denim and a tank. You can wear it tied in the front over a casual dress… I think you’re beginning to understand!
The reason I say to consider the concept of a capsule wardrobe when elevating your own wardrobe, is that it allows you to easily mix and match your favorite items. You don’t have to wait a few weeks before wearing the patterned blouse again, because you now have options that can be worn in a multitude of ways. Nobody will even notice if you wore the same shirt twice in a week, because the vibe of the outfits can be completely different!
3. Get thrifty!
That’s right! And I don’t just mean in the classic way (though, that too). You can get “thrifty” in a bunch of ways. Here are a few…
- Literally getting thrifty: I’ll recommend this until the end… Shopping on Poshmark is the BEST was to find stylish, high quality pieces for a great price. And it’s sustainable, too! You can follow your favorite fashion influencers and shop their gently used (and sometimes new) pieces any time. Here’s a link to my personal Poshmark account, if you’re interested in taking a look!
- Getting thrifty by selling the items that you cleaned out of your closet for some extra cash… It works both ways!
- Getting thrifty by taking time to identify brands that are high quality and fit within your budget. Should I do a blog on this!? One of my favorite ways to identify these brands is via Liketoknow.it. I follow all of my favorite influencers there, and even have started my own personal account. Feel free to check it out here, and be sure to give me a follow!
So… what now?
Now that you have some ideas on how to shop affordably and fashionably, I’d like to give you one last piece of advice.
In order to truly elevate your life via your wardrobe, you have to include only items that you absolutely love. I know it seems obvious, but it makes a true difference! As you’re cleaning out your closet and shopping your favorite LTK or Poshmark looks, consider if a piece is truly something that makes you feel good inside. If it is, keep it/ buy it. If it is not, leave it behind!
My hope for you after reading this blog is that you find yourself working towards truly elevating your wardrobe, and thus, your life. Getting ready is one of the first things we all do each morning, so by adding this little spark of intention, you’ll be off to a great start each morning which will leave you feeling great throughout the rest of your day.
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XOXO
Seton
Seton Walker 